Lasting Treatments Instead of Temporary Relief

Dec 14 , 2024
By Carolyn Kissane

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I have always avoided taking pills unless absolutely necessary: when I am genuinely unwell and unable to function. For minor ailments like the flu or a slight stomach ache, medication has never been my go-to. Instead, I usually take home remedies. Recently, though, my perspective has started to shift. Time constraints make seeing a doctor feel like an added burden, and I have found myself relying more on the local pharmacy.

When my children catch a cold or start coughing, I rush to the pharmacy for cough syrups. My uncle insists that early treatment is essential to prevent complications like pneumonia. I have seen cough syrups work effectively almost every time.

Through research, I have learned that children are particularly vulnerable to the flu and related illnesses like coughs. As long as their symptoms do not last more than two weeks or lead to serious conditions like shortness of breath or vomiting blood, I try to remain calm. It is a delicate balance between being cautious and accepting that some illnesses are simply part of childhood.

While I still value professional medical guidance, the convenience of quick remedies from the pharmacy has become a practical solution in our busy lives. I trust my uncle’s good intentions and the care he has for me, so when he recommends Snip for the flu, I take it without hesitation.

Flu used to be just a minor inconvenience for me, something I could easily ignore. In the past, I powered through my daily routine with a runny nose, barely noticing any effects. Headaches, joint pain, and chills were unheard of in my experience. But now, the flu feels like a formidable foe, as though it is punishing me for all the times I joked and dismissed others’ complaints about their symptoms.

I used to believe I was invincible to the flu, but those days are long gone. Now, one can find me bundled in multiple layers of clothing, even under a scorching sun, as an undeniable chill clings to me. Strangely, my skin feels ablaze to the touch. This is not just the flu; it feels far more sinister. The tables have turned, and I can no longer scoff at the struggles of others. What once seemed trivial has now become an unexpected battle, reminding me that we often face the very things we underestimate.

Recently, my daughter came down with a mild case of the flu. It is common for children, especially those in school, to catch it. Thankfully, she recovered quickly, but shortly after, my son started showing symptoms too. A persistent cough prompted me to visit the pharmacy for some relief. The pharmacist suggested a remedy for my daughter’s allergy-related cough, which initially worked wonders. I started giving the syrups to both children.

At first, they seemed effective, but the relief was short-lived. Just two days later, my daughter relapsed, this time with a fever and a harsher cough that kept her awake at night. I did not share her worsening condition with my mother or uncle, knowing they would worry excessively. I scheduled an appointment with a pediatrician.

By the time we arrived at the doctor’s office, her fever had spiked, and her cough had worsened. After conducting blood tests, the doctor diagnosed her with an upper respiratory tract infection and prescribed antibiotics. I hesitated to give her antibiotics, worried about the risk of antibiotic resistance. She had already taken more antibiotics than her brother had in his five years.

To my surprise, the doctor informed me that my daughter was slightly anemic, which could explain her frequent illnesses. This revelation caught me off guard, especially since she was generally less picky about food compared to her brother and regularly ate iron-rich meals. It became clear that I needed to focus on improving her iron levels to bolster her health and reduce the likelihood of future sickness.

I also reviewed the medications prescribed for my children by the pharmacist. However, with the exception of one syrup, all the recommended medicines were for kids below five. While the medications provided temporary relief from their symptoms, they did not address the underlying issues. This reminded me of a past incident involving my husband's nephew, who suffered from recurring stomach pain. Despite administering medicines, the symptoms persisted until a clinic visit revealed he had gastritis, requiring a month-long treatment.

Many of us tend toward quick fixes for health problems, seeking temporary relief instead of addressing the root causes. While it is true that hospitals sometimes overprescribe tests to inflate costs or justify diagnoses, neglecting the symptoms can lead to more severe consequences over time.

Many pharmacists advocate for thorough medical check-ups. By investing time and resources into uncovering the root causes, we can achieve more effective and lasting treatments. Comprehensive healthcare solutions save one from recurring symptoms.

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PUBLISHED ON Dec 14,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1285]

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